How to go about it

Discussion about making bushwalking-related equipment.

How to go about it

Postby Petew » Thu 05 Sep, 2019 5:34 pm

Hello MYOG affecianados.

How do I/what's the best way to go about purchasing and learning how to use a sewing machine?

I'm keen on trying to make packs, pouches, stuff sacks etc.

I have zero idea what type of machine to get, what thread to use etc.

Total newbie.
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Re: How to go about it

Postby ofuros » Thu 05 Sep, 2019 6:23 pm

Spotlight have beginner classes if you want head down that road...
Mountain views are good for my soul...& getting to them is good for my waistline !
https://ofuros.exposure.co/
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Re: How to go about it

Postby michael_p » Thu 05 Sep, 2019 6:35 pm

You'd be amazed what is on YouTube these days. You should be able to find numerous how-to-sew videos. Give it a try. :)
One foot in front of the other.
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Petew » Fri 06 Sep, 2019 7:18 am

Any recommendations on a second hand sewing machine? No plans to stitch canvas but something that can stitch through webbing would be good.

Probably buy off gumtree in Sydney.
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Lamont » Fri 06 Sep, 2019 7:52 am

Suggest you search/scroll thru the MYOG DIY section here (if you haven't already) -there are some gems.
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Moondog55 » Fri 06 Sep, 2019 8:00 am

Webbing can be very difficult to sew through sometimes.
It has a tendency to melt and stick to the needle, if it can sew through webbing it would sew through most canvas
It's difficult to find a machine that will sew both UL fabric and heavy stuff with the same ability. I have 2 machines and neither is very good but I try and use the older stronger machine for heavy stuff. Both of my sewing machines need a full service and adjustment at the moment and that costs about $200- a machine. Ceciles new Brother automatic will do everything but costs over $3k-
There is a good SailRite for sale in Sydney for just under $2k-, Excellent machines Straight stitch only tho
Older Janome MySew are OK
The bigger the work space the better and what is important for my sewing is the clearance between the foot and the bed, the higher this is the better
Ve are too soon old und too late schmart
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Petew » Fri 13 Sep, 2019 7:43 am

Ok,

So I found a sewing machine buried in the roof. Nothing fancy but it works.

I ordered some thread, some fabric, zips, kits etc from ripstop by the roll. Looking forward to getting stuck in and getting some new skills.

The shipping from the US is a little expensive so I was wondering if there is anywhere in Australia that sells outdoors techy fabrics?

Spotlight sells a very limited amount of ripstop but not a lot of choice.

Do you experienced MYOG types buy your bits from the US, China etc?
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Petew » Fri 04 Oct, 2019 11:22 am

Ok, so I have made a couple of stuff sacks. Going to try a zip pouch tonight. It's fun!

Any tips for sewing really lightweight ripstop nylon? Should the stitches be bigger? Should the presser foot be more firm? Sorry complete newbie here. I'm finding the lightweight stuff a little challenging, like 20d light.
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Re: How to go about it

Postby Bubbalouie » Fri 04 Oct, 2019 12:10 pm

I usually look at something someone else has done.

I've not done rip stop nylon, but I've done very light weight polyester for some stuff sacks that needed to breathe. I had the stitches about 2mm apart, I folded and pinned where I needed to sew. It seems the tension and everything else have all been about right for me so far so I got lucky with a we'll set up machine.

The only other thing is I usually go to the end, keep the pin in, lift the foot, turn the work around and sew all the way back again (it's double stitched that way). I also go back and forth a few times at the ends. At first I didn't make sure to keep the excess thread at the end where I started clear when coming back the other way which made a lot of tangles.
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